Damage control surgery in ocular traumatology.

Abstract

There seems to be no decrease in the incidence of serious eye injuries. Although recent developments in technology now allow salvage of eyes that would have been lost only a few years ago, certain rules must be followed to achieve optimal outcome. Damage control surgery in ocular traumatology means that the ophthalmologist understands that eye injuries must be treated only after life-threatening conditions have been properly addressed by other specialists. Focusing on the injured eye, the ophthalmologist evaluates the types and severity of the trauma, and designs a management plan. Wounds should be cleaned and closed, infections treated and prevented, the retina reattached; however, conditions that do not require immediate intervention are usually better treated following a few days of delay, during which intense corticosteroid therapy is administered. The second, reconstructive surgery is typically performed 7-10 days postinjury, when the risk of intraoperative haemorrhage is dramatically reduced and the chance of visual rehabilitation is higher.